Her eyes welled with unshed tears.“I want that too, Ky’rn. Just a little longer. Bear with me.”
“For you, Isla, I’d wait an eternity.”I nodded, releasing her wrist.
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
ISLA
The lavender hues of the ocean enveloped me, a world that was alien yet strangely comforting. As I swam, the saltless water felt silky against my skin, almost velvety.
I spotted a shadow ahead, a silhouette that bore a striking resemblance to Ky’rn’s distinctive form. The familiar curve of his powerful tail, the strength in his streamlined form, beckoned me forward, and I couldn’t resist the urge to follow.
My heart raced in exhilaration, a result of the thrill of the chase and the yearning to connect with him again. Every time I felt I was close enough to reach out, to touch him, to confirm it was him, he’d accelerate, his form blurring into the lavender around us, always just out of reach.
The water grew cooler as I dove deeper, chasing the tantalizing shadow. As I descended, the lavender hue darkened, transforming into a deep plum, then almost black.
The harsh buzzing of the vidscreen echoed painfully in the early morning silence, ripping me from the depths of a restless sleep. In a flurry of tangled sheets and disoriented thoughts, I grabbed my robe, clumsily shrugging it on.
Stumbling to the door, I activated the vidscreen. Roman’s expectant face greeted me.
Rubbing my temples in an effort to shake off the remnants of sleep, I groaned, “Roman? What are you doing here so early?”
His brows knitted in confusion. “Did you forget? We have marriage preparations with the lawyers before the rehearsal today.”
Cursing silently, I let the weight of reality sank in. The wedding was tomorrow. How could I forget? “Do I have time to freshen up, at least?” I mumbled.
Roman’s sharp gaze bore into me, one eyebrow raised in challenge. “You do, if you let me in to discuss a few things first.”
A sigh escaped my lips as I relented, disengaging the lock.
Once the door slid open, Roman’s imposing figure stepped inside, the scent of his expensive cologne filling the room. I watched as he took in my living space, decorated with a blend of professional tools and personal mementos.
His voice, softer than I’d anticipated, broke my reverie. “Were you able to make contact?”
I nodded, steeling myself. “Yes, I did. Ky’rn was able to communicate with his leader. Everything is in order.”
He paused, looking thoughtful. “The wedding is tomorrow. Do you really think you’re ready for this?” His fingers picked up a frame from the tabletop. An image of my younger self with my parents on a sun-drenched beach stared back at him. Emotion thickened the air. “You’re not having second thoughts, are you?”
“Look, I just want this all to be over with.” I said, frustration leaking into my voice. “Tomorrow, Ky’rn will be free.”
He studied me, his gaze unrelenting. “I wasn’t aware you were in such a rush to become my wife.”
My eyes rolled involuntarily. “It’s not the position I’m after, but the security it brings. After all, our marriage is for business. Purely platonic.”
“I want it no other way.” Roman stared at me for a moment, the depth of his gaze making me shift uncomfortably, and then he sighed. “Go get dressed. Once you’re ready, we can make sure everything is in place before we have to report to our first appointment.”
“You might as well make yourself comfortable,” I said, gesturing toward the snack bar. “I’ll only be a few minutes.”
He raised an eyebrow, taking in my half-awake state. “Take your time,” he replied with a smirk. “No need to worry about me.”
With a huff, I entered my room, leaving him to his own devices. As soon as the door closed behind me, I stepped into the RoBo Changing Room.
For a moment, I was transfixed by my reflection, the mark on my skin catching the light. The discoloration against my skin brought back memories of Ky’rn and what we had shared in that fleeting moment.
I frowned as guilt gnawed at me for not slipping away to speak with him—alone. A part of me was afraid of what would happen. What if I got lost in the moment—once again?
Tomorrow, he would be free to reunite with his people, and I would be left behind on Earth, a newlywed bride.
It would be worth it—a life for a life.
